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Mandy Huang 8559 Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

The difference between "the Obama family" and "the Obamas"

Here is a question:

Jack: How _____the Obama family?
Linda: They are all well.

The answer should be "is" or "are" or both of them should be ok.
  

Top answer

Both are possible in BrE.

— Fivejedjon

  • Both are possible in BrE.
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20 Answers
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Both are possible in BrE.
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you should use "are"!! this is mentioned in
'grammar in use" book.
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"IS" is actually correct, you are referring to the entire family as one. Thus: How is the family?
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Anonymous"IS" is actually correct, you are referring to the entire family as one. Thus: How is the family?
If you are thinking of the members of the family, 'are' is fine in BrE.
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IS is correct in the question
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Anonymous IS is correct in the question
Yes. So is are.
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There is ONE family, the Obama family, therefore you would use is.

How IS the Obama Family.

How ARE the Obama family members.
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In British usage, a group may be treated as a single entity or as a number of individuals. This means that you can say the family is... or the family are....
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AnonymousThere is ONE family, the Obama family, therefore you would use is.
As rwo of us have told you, 'are' is fine in BrE.

(cross-posted wtth BJ)
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